As a concerned citizen and stakeholder, I am compelled to address the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday, May 28, 2025, during the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) English examination.
Students across Nigeria, including many in Oyo State, endured a traumatic experience as they were forced to remain in examination centers until late hours—some as late as 8 PM or beyond. Reports indicate that invigilators did not deliver the exam papers until around 5PM, a delay caused by the examination body resetting questions due to a leak. This situation is deeply regrettable and reflects a failure in the administration of such a critical examination.
The responsibility for this disruption lies squarely with the examination body, not the students, who were subjected to significant emotional and psychological stress. These young individuals, already under the pressure of a high-stakes examination, should not have to endure such an ordeal.
As an educator myself, who has devoted a reasonable part of my life to teaching and developing policies around better education in and outside Nigeria, I find this incident particularly disheartening.
The WAEC English examination is a gateway to tertiary education and a determinant of their future opportunities, and no student should face such distress during this pivotal moment. I stand with them in their frustration and pain during this challenging time.
This incident is not reflective of global best practices and should not be tolerated in any modern society. Nigerians, and particularly the people of Oyo State, deserve better standards in our educational system. The integrity of an examination process that shapes the future of our youth must be upheld at all times.
Allowing such a lapse to occur undermines the trust that students, parents, and communities place in our educational institutions. As a leader aspiring to serve Oyo State, I am committed to advocating for systems that prioritise fairness, efficiency, and the well-being of our future hope.
I call for immediate accountability from the concerned authorities, including WAEC and the Federal Ministry of Education. The decent thing is to provide a clear explanation for this failure, issue a formal apology to the affected students, and take concrete steps to address the implications of this incident. If necessary, the English examination should be re-conducted to ensure fairness and equity for all students.
Furthermore, measures must be put in place to prevent such occurrences in the remaining WAEC examinations and in future assessments. The future of our children cannot be jeopardised by systemic inefficiencies, and I urge the authorities to act swiftly to restore confidence in the process.
To the students who endured this unfortunate experience, I extend my deepest sympathy and support. Your resilience in the face of this challenge is commendable, and I assure you that your voices are heard. As an educator and leader, I feel your distress and remain committed to ensuring that such incidents do not define your educational journey.
The people of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole deserve an educational system that upholds the highest standards, and I will continue to advocate for reforms that give premium to your well-being and success. I believe we can together build a future where our youth are empowered to thrive without such unnecessary setbacks.
Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Oyo 2027
AKK 2027
Governor 2027
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa.
AKK!! Ajose Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task that must be done.
Thursday May 29, 2025.
